Word for the Week

Remember you are God's precious possession

Week beginning: 9th July, 2017 | By Alasdair Henderson | London

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV - 1984)

It is very unhealthy to think either that the world revolves around us or that we are worthless specks of matter in a vast and pitiless universe. Yet those are the options our secular culture offers.

The wonderful truth is that the world does not revolve around us; in this vast universe we are unimaginably small. But neither are our lives meaningless. The awesome God who created this breathtaking cosmos sees us as His precious possession. The images in 1 Peter 2:9 come from Exodus 19, when God demonstrated His holiness and power to the people with fearsome fire and thunder. But the same God who shook the earth in unapproachable majesty also told His people that they were His treasured possession, set apart for Him.

The Apostle Peter applies these descriptions to those who trust in Jesus. If we depend on Christ for our righteousness, God sees us as His people. Special, holy, royal priests. What a tremendous thought as you sit this morning at your desk, run for the train on your way to court, or slave away at a photocopier! And why has God made us His special people? So that we may declare His praises to those around us. Our friends and colleagues need to hear about the amazing God who calls His people out of darkness into light.

Prayer points:

1. Pray that God would give you a confidence and assurance today, whatever lies in store for you, that you are his precious possession.

2. Pray that you might have an opportunity today to declare God's praises to a colleague, friend or family member.